Coupling



Sept. 30, 1941. M." H. ARNOLD COUPLING F'iled April 14, 1939 w w w IIIIII Y /z 40 www?? Patented Sept. 30, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE COUPLENG Mathew H. Arnold, Long Beach, Calif.

Application April 14, 1939, Serial No. 267,845

Claims.

This invention relates to a connecting device or coupling device and relates more particularly to a releasable coupling. A general object of this inventionris to provide a simple, practical and dependable releasable coupling.

The present invention is capable of embodiment in connecting and coupling devices of various natures, for example, it; is suited for embodiment inpipe couplings, rod couplings, hose couplings and in couplings for connecting the parts of pipes `or conduits handling various classes of fluids. I will herein make particular reference to and` will describe the invention embodied in a releasable coupling for connecting the parts of a iiuid` handling line or system such as a pipe line, hose line, or the like. i It is to be understood that this particular application of the invention is merely typical `and illustrative and is not to `be taken as limiting the scope or applicability of the invention.

Another object of this invention is to provide a coupling for a conduit, pipe, hose line, or the like, that may be easily and quickly made up or connected and easily and quickly disconnected without the necessity of employing wrenches or other tools.

Another object of this invention is to provide a coupling of the character mentioned that may be connected and disconnected without rotating any parts and therefore without employing threaded parts. I

LAnother object of this invention is to provide a releasable coupling that is made up or connected by merely pushing the two coupling units or assemblies together and that may be freed for disconnection by merely shifting two shiftable sleeves.

Another object of this invention is to provide a releasable coupling that comprises two like or identical assemblies each adapted for application to a pipe, conduit or hose part. The two units or coupling assemblies comprising the coupling of the present-I invention being identical, greatly simplify and expedite the connecting and handling of the` conduit or hose sections as it is unnecessary to arrange the hose sections with lmating male and female parts in opposition and the opposite ends of the several sections of the line may have identical coupling assemblies. The two coupling assemblies being identical provide for great economy in the manufacture and marketing of the device.

made operative when the two coupling 'assemblies are pushed togetherfor connection.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawing, in which: I

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of one form of coupling of the invention with the sleeves in longitudinal cross section to `illustrate the cooperating clutch parts. Fig. 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal detailed sectional View of the coupling illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a transverse Ydetailed sectional View taken as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a side elevation of one of the coupling units or assembliesof the cou` pling illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is an end view of the unit or assembly illustrated in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the coupling illustrated in Fig. l showing the manner in which the assemblies are connected and illustrating one of the sleeves in longitudinal cross section, and Fig. 7 is a fragmentary longitudinal detailed sectional view of the improved coupling of the invention embodying another form of packing means and showing one end portion of the coupling in side elevation.

The coupling of the present .invention illustrated in Figs. 1-6, inclusive, may be said to com# prise, generally, twounits or assemblies each in cludng a typical body I0 having jaws or clutch parts I I, a spring-urged sleeve I2 shiftable on the bodyV I0 and packing means I3, the clutch parts I I of the two assemblies being inter-engageable, the sleeves of the two assemblies being operable to hold the clutch parts Il in engagementl and the two packing meansV I3 being cooperable to provide a seal between the two assemblies.

The bodies I0 of the coupling assemblies are preferably identical elongate tubular members. The bodies I6 may be Varied somewhat in construction depending upon the use or application of the coupling. In the construction illustrated the bodies IIJ are integral or one-piece members having central longitudinal openings I4 for passing or handling iiuid. The outer end portions of the bodies I0 are preferably provided with means for facilitating the connection of the bodies I0 with other elements or parts of the conduit, hose line, or pipe line in which the coupling is to be used. In the case illustrated the outer end portions of the bodies I have both internal threads I5 and external threads I6 that may be used optionally for the connection of the bodies with the hose or pipe line elements. It is to be understood that the outer end portions of the bodies I0 may be formed or conditioned in other manners, for example, they may have wickers I6EL as illustrated in Fig. 7 for facilitating the connection of the .bodies with hose sections, or the like. The bodies I0'are preferably, although not necessarily, provided with cylindrical exteriors. In the preferred construction a head I'I of enlarged diameter is provided on the inner end of each body I6. The rear faces of the heads I'I form annular shoulders I8 on the bodies. Il). The forward or inner ends of the headsI'I are counterbored, that is, sockets I9 are provided at jthe i-n-V ner ends of the openings I4. The socketsl `are provided to contain the packing' means I3 as will `be hereinafter described.

The jaws or clutch parts -I I are provided vvto releasably connect the two vbodies I0 'against axial separation or disconnection. The clutch parts -I I are `provided vor formed on the hea-ds I1 and are preferably integral with lthe .heads and the bodies IIJ. yEach Yhead VIII has "an .extension ZIJ-on its forward `or inner iend. ".The rextensions 2B may have `a circumferential extent oi slightly less than 180. The outer endsof the head "extensions 29 :are flat .and -preferably lie in planes transverse of the longitudinal -axes of Athe bodies II). Thejaws .or clutchV parts II project from the axial edges or sides ofthe `extensions f2, y'there being two substantially diametrically 'opposite clutch parts II on each extension 20. The clutch parts II vare alike in size and shape. 'Ihe clutch parts I.I :are-spaced from the bases of the extensions 2li, leaving'not'chesfZI in the opposite :axial edges of the extensions. V'-I'he jaws or fclutch parts I-I are proportioned so that the arc between the extremities of the two clutch parts-on one body'extension 20 is greater than 180.

The notchesZI occurring in the extension of one body I0 are :adapted to receive the clutch parts I-.I onvthe extension 2l) of the otherbody ID and .vice versa. The inner or forward ends of the clutch .parts I'I are flush with and -form continuations :of the inner or `forward ends Aof the extensions 2U while `the -forwar-dly facing `Walls of the notches 2I are flush yith and for-m -continuations .of lthe inner -or forward ends 123 of the heads I'I.. With 'this relationship of parts 4the ends 22 ofthe extensions 120 are adapted to cooperate with the ends 2.3 of the vheads 'I'I when -the clutch parts .II `are engaged, that is, when the clutch parts are .received 1in `the notches 2|. It will tbe 'seen that the :bodies ILD yare securely Jconnected against relative .axial movement in both directions when the clutch parts VII are in -engagement. Further, it is to be observed that the clutch lparts I..I `can only be disengagedl by relative lateral :movement The Vsleeves k'I2 are provided to hold the .Yen-V gaged 'clutch parts I'I vagainst relative :lateral movementand Athus maintain `the clutch u.parts in cooper-ation and prevent `disconnection of the bodies I'il. The Ysleeves -I2 'are spring urged and are `manually retractable to "permit the Yeasy intentionaly disengagement of the 4clutch parts `I I. There is :one sleeve I2 provided onieachbody ill. The sleeves :I2 .surround the heads -I'I of the bodies IIJ and are shiftable :axially'or longitudinally .on the heads. ilu-turned annular flanges 'l the sockets I9.

24 are provided on the outer ends of the sleeves I2 and surround or ride on the bodies I0 proper. Y

The flanges 24 are engageable withthe shoulders I8 to limit the forward or inner movement of the sleeves I2 on the heads I'I. VThe sleeves I2 are of sufficient length to overlie or cover the notches 2| in the extensions 2li of their respective heads I'I. Accordingly, the sleeveV I2 carried by one body Hl is adapted to cover the clutch parts I I on the `other assembly or body it when the same are engaged in the notches 2I4 of the first mentioned body I0. This engagement of the sleeves I2 over the notches 2l and the clutch parts I I prevents the lateral disengagement ofthe clutch Vpari-ts and therefore prevents the disconnectionY .of the two bodies I0.

The forward or inner ends 25 of the sleeves I2 are preferably at and are .adapted to engage or cooperate when the coupling is Vmade up. The peripheries of the sleeves I2 Aare preferably knurled to facilitate their manualmanipulation.

Spring means are provided to urge .the sleeves 'i2 forwardly on the bodies I!! and to yieldingly hold the sleeves in the positions where they cover the notches 2I and hold `the clutchparts .II vin cooperation .as above described. Suitable helical springs 26 are arranged around the .bodies I0 and engage against the outer .or rear sides of the' sleeve anges 24. The springs 2t are under compression between the iianges 24 and suitableabut- Y ment rings 2'I on the bodies l0. The .abutment rings 2l may be held against outward or rearward movement by split wire rings 28 partially received in grooves 29 .in the bodies I0. I-t is believed that it will be apparent how the .springs 26 operate to normally lhold the sleeves I2 in .the positions illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing where they overlie the notches 2I to maintain the clutch parts I I in engagement. A

The packing means I3 Yare provided to prevent the leakage of fluid from between the Ytwo units or assemblies when the .coupling is made up or connected. The `.iliacking means YI3 Vare such that they are brought )into keffective sealing cooperation when .the two assemblies are brought to,

gether and connected. The means YI3 `include nipples or tubular carriers -3. set` in the above described sockets Iii).V The packing carriers may be simple tubular parts rigidly secured in In practice the Vcarriers :33 -ma-y be force-fitted or press-fitted in the sockets 'JB'. The openings 3I in the tubular `carriers 30 ,are preferably of the same diameter as the openings `I 4 and register with the openings I4.

The packing means I3 further include `packing rings 32 set or arranged in the forward end portions of the carriers 30. The rings 32 are formed of a 'resilient compressible packingmaterial such as rubber, 4rubber composition, or synthetic rub-Y ber. The packing rings 32 have ribs or anges engaged in internal grooves 33 inthe carriers 30 and are .retainedin the carriers by this engagement. The carriers 39 are v.proportioned to extend forwardly beyond the ends 23 of the hea-ds Is'I andthe packing Vrings 32 protrude beyond the forward ends of the carriers so that the two packing rings are brought into tight engagement whenthe coupling assemblies are brought together `aand connected. fIn practice the ,parts are related `so that .the packing rings 32 are compressed to some :extent when the coupling is made rup.Y This assures a dependable seal. The resiliency of 4the ,com-pressed packing rings 32 may assist in holding the clutch parts II in tight cooperation to prevent the development of p lay and slackness in thecoupling. The packing means I3 just described is `particularly effective in preventing the leakage or loss of iiuid under pressure, and the coupling provided with the .packing means I3 is well suited to handle fluid under pressure.

i Fig 7 of the drawing illustratesa coupling of the invention provided with a packing means I3a yadapting the coupling for use in a line, hose or the like, handling air or other fluid under subatmospheric pressure. The packing means I3El include nipples or carriers 3|)a set in sockets I?!al inthe forward ends of the body heads I'I- The carriers 3IJab are rigidly secured in the sockets |98. Annular members or rings 32a of packingA material surround the carriers 30a. The rings 32a are formed of a suitable resilient and compressible packing material such as rubber or synthetic rubber. The interiors of the heads I'IEt and the extensions 20a may be recessed as at III) to receive the packing rings 32a. .The exteriors of the carriers 30a are roughened or knurled as illustrated to assure the retention of the packing rings 32a. The carriers 30a project beyond the heads I 'Ia and the packing rings 32a protrude from the ends of the carriers to vcooperate when the coupling is made up. The inner or forward ends of the packing rings 32a are maintained in tight engagement when the coupling is in service to assure a perfect seal. With the exception of the packing means I3a and the wickers I6a the coupling illustrated in Fig. 7 may be the same as the coupling illustrated in Figs, 1-6, inclusive.

It is believed that the operation of the improved coupling of the invention will be readily understoodfrom the foregoing detailed description. Referring now to Figs. 1-6, inclusive, the coupling may be easily and quickly made up by bringing the outer ends 22 of the extensions 20 against the ends 25 of the sleeves I2 and then pushing the two assemblies together. Fig.4 6 of the drawing illustrates the parts in the position just described with the extension ends 22 engaging againstthe sleeve ends 25 When the `two assemblies are pushed together. The engagement of the extensions 20 with the sleeves I2 results in outward movement or retraction of the sleeves I2 and compression of the springs 26. The two assemblies are pushed together until the clutch parts II enter the notches 2|. In

practice the coupling is easily and quickly made Y- up by merely pushing the two assemblies together in the manner described above, the clutch parts I I automatically snapping into the notches 2I when they reach the notches. When the clutch parts Il enter the notches 2| relative lateral movement occurs between the bodies I and the sleeves I2 are freed from the ends 22 of the extensions 20. When this occurs the springs 26 return the sleeves I2 to their normal positions best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing. Thus the sleeves I2 are moved to positions where they cover the notches 2| to retain the clutch parts Il in cooperation.

The sleeves I2 serve to prevent relative lateral movement between the engaged clutch parts II and thus serve to prevent disconnection of the coupling. When the coupling is made up as just described the packing rings 32 are brought into engagement and are compressed through this engagement. The cooperating packing rings 32 provide a dependable seal between the two coupling assemblies and serve to prevent the leakage of fluid. The coupling will remain made up or connected until deliberately or intentionally disconnected. The springs 26 hold the sleeves I2 in their normal positions andthere is no `'tendencyfor the sleeves to retractV vand permit the disconnection of the clutch parts I`I.

When it is desired to break or disconnect the coupling the sleeves I2 are simultaneously retracted or moved away from one another. The operator may engage the knurled peripheries of the sleeves I2 and easily move the sleeves outwardly or rearwardly against the springs 26. When the sleeves I2 have been retracted to positions clear of the notches 2I the coupling assemblies are moved apart laterally to disconnect or disengage the clutch parts II. 'I'his fully frees the two coupling assemblies. The sleeves I2 may then be releasedto be returned to their normal positions by the springs 26 andthe coupling assemblies are conditioned for reconnection.

Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A coupling comprising two like assemblies each including a body having a projection on its forward end provided with a recess in a longitudinal edge leaving a laterally extending linger to engage in the recess of the other assembly, and a spring pressed sleeve slidable on the body to a position partially overlying the projections of both assemblies when the assemblies are together holding the fingers in the recesses, the portions of the sleeves overlying the projections having a bore substantially the same in diameter as the assembled projections.

2. A coupling comprising two like assemblies each including a body having a projection on its forward end provided with a recess in a longitudinal edge leaving a laterally extending finger to engage in the recess of the other assembly,

and a spring pressed sleeve slidableon the body to a position partially overlying the projections of both assemblies when the assemblies are together holding the lingers in the recesses, the projections extending beyond the ends of the sleeves and the lingers being of such lateral extent that when the edges of the lingers are engaged during the assembling of the coupling the projections abut the ends of the sleeves so that pressing together of the assemblies causes the sleeves to be moved against the spring pressure until the lingers reach and enter the recesses.

3. A coupling comprising two like assemblies each including a body having a projection on its forward end provided with a recess in a longitudinal edge leaving a laterally extending finger to engage in the recess of the other assembly, and a spring pressed sleeve slidable on the body to a position partially overlying the projections of both assemblies when the assemblies are together holding the lingers in the recesses, the portions of the sleeves overlying the projections having a. bore substantially the same in diameter as the assembled projections, the projections extending beyond the ends of the sleeves and the lingers being of such lateral extent that when the edges of the fingers are engaged during assembling of the coupling the projections abut the ends of the sleeves so that pressing together of the assemblies causes the sleeves to be moved against the spring pressure until the lingers reach and enter the recesses.

4. A coupling comprising two like assemblies vforward end provided With a recess in a longitudinal edge leaving a laterally extending ringer to engage the recess of the other assembly, a. tubular extension on the forward end of the body spaced fromY the projection, an annular packing member Acarried on the extension and arranged in the space between vthe extension and the projection and projecting. forwardly from the extension, and ay spring pressed sleeve slidable on the body to a position partially overlying the projections of both assemblies when the assemblies are together holding the lingers in the recesses, the portions ofthe sleeves overlying'the projections having a bore `substantially the same in diameter as the Y assembled projections, the packing members of the two assemblies being pressed together end to end and. expanded laterally to seal the joints between the projections when the assemblies are together. y

5. A coupling comprising two like assemblies each including a body having a projection ony its forward end provided with a recess in a longitudinal edge leaving a laterally extending finger to engage the recess of the other assembly, and a spring pressed sleeve slidable `on the body to a position partially overlying the projections of both assemblies when the assemblies are together holding the fingers in the recesses, the projections when engaged with the iingers in the recessesY constituting a structure continuous with and of the same diameter as the bodies and the sleeves having bores slidably tting the bodies and projections and being free to rotate thereon. l

MATHEW H. ARNOLD. 

